Chile: Agreement with government prompts some truckers' unions to end nationwide strike participation as of Nov. 28 /update 1

Event

Disruptions associated with an ongoing nationwide cargo truckers' strike will likely decrease in Chile after the national government reached an agreement with some of the participating organizations as of Nov. 28. The National Cargo Transport Confederation (Confederacion Nacional de Transporte de Carga, CNTC) and the Valparaiso Region Federation of Truck Owners (Federacion de Duenos de Camiones de la Region de Valparaiso) have agreed to end their participation in the strike under the new accord. Nevertheless, at least two truckers' organizations - the Northern Force Transport Workers' Confederation (Confederacion Gremial de Transportistas Fuerza del Norte), and the South-Central Truckers' Confederation (Confederacion Centro Sur de Camioneros) - are continuing with the labor action. The strike and protests began Nov. 20 in reaction to increasing fuel prices and militant attacks against truckers.

According to authorities, as of Nov. 28, truckers are still striking and protesting in 36 different locations nationwide, with Arica, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, and El Maule as the most affected regions. While participating truckers have not specifically impeded the movement of private cars, emergency vehicles, and passenger transport, protests are likely to impact all transport on targeted thoroughfares. Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor any demonstrations that may materialize; clashes cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Consult with service providers on transport availability and delivery times; consider alternative methods for critical freights. Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Heed the instructions of security personnel.